Mikel Arteta has told Runar Alex Runarsson he could still feature for Arsenal in cup competitions this season – even after Bernd Leno’s penalty heroics against Liverpool.
Leno kept a clean sheet in the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at Anfield and then saved two of Liverpool’s penalties as Arsenal won the shootout.
The German has started both games in the competition since Emiliano Martinez left this summer for Aston Villa in a £20million deal.
Martinez, however, has now been replaced by Iceland international Runarsson and Arteta has told the new signing his chance will come later in the cup competitions, once he has settled.
“Obviously when Emi left we were looking for a second goalkeeper,” said Arteta.
“We were in the market. It took a little longer than expected to get that position filled in.
“So Alex came in. He has only been with us a week and he had a small issue as well. It is time, things will evolve.
“Alex will be more comfortable here and they will both play.”
Leno suffered a serious knee injury back in June and in his absence Martinez rose to the occasion to help Arsenal win a record 14th FA Cup.
It led to questions being asked as to whether Leno was still Arsenal’s no1, but Arteta says the only pressure being placed on the German was from the player himself.
“We had to make a decisions,” said Arteta.
“I think it was a moment where Emi needed the next step and financially it was a really interesting proposal for us. We need to manage the resources that we have to strengthen the team.
“I am really for him (Leno), for his performance, the character that he showed too tonight. He was really helpful to get us through to the next round.
“I think the biggest pressure comes from the players individually. I don’t think they read that much what about other people are saying to be fair.
“He (Leno) is very stable. He works, he has his routines and I don’t think he is very much bothered by what is outside.”
